Millfield Prep inspection praises pupils’ wellbeing and opportunities
Published by Millfield Preparatory School on Wednesday 3rd of June 2026
Millfield Prep School is celebrating after receiving excellent feedback in a recent inspection.
The school has been praised in multiple areas for its high-quality sport and breadth and depth across the arts, knowledgeable teachers who deliver engaging lessons, effective communication that supports pupils’ wellbeing holistically, positive and enriching experiences for boarders, and a robust culture of safeguarding.
Early years provision was praised as creating a nurturing and stimulating environment using teachers in depth knowledge. Staff plan activities that incorporate children’s interests, that promote learning, independence and confidence. Children benefit from caring relationships with adults, feel safe and secure, and learn and develop well.
Millfield Prep has 105 full boarders and 260 day students, from 30 different nationalities, and is well-regarded as the best sports school in the UK, enabling pupils to balance high level academics with top level sport and co-curricular passions.
Millfield Pre-Prep has 85 pupils from age 2 to 7, offering nursery provision and Reception, Year 1 and 2 classes.
The report states that pupils’ wellbeing is at the heart of school life, creating a culture in which pupils feel valued and connected to the school community. It says leaders get to know pupils as individuals, which helps to foster a genuine sense of belonging and positive relationships across the school. Consistent emphasis of the school values help pupils develop academically, personally and socially, by instilling confident, resilience and mutual respect.
Millfield Prep’s Personalised Curriculum Centre was highlighted for its support to pupils with SEND and those who speak EAL, and inspectors said boarders benefit from the sense of community and belonging that boarding provides.
The school met all five sections of the Independent Schools Inspectorate standards, which focus on leadership, management and governance; quality of education, training and recreation; physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing; social and economic education and contribution to society; and safeguarding.
The inspection was undertaken by a team of six inspectors, over two and half days in March, and involved considering views of pupils, staff and parents.
Head Dan Thornburn said: “Millfield Prep is an exceptional school and I am pleased at what the inspectors were able to see and recognise during their short time with us. I am immensely proud to be Head of a school which has the wellbeing of the pupils at its core and works hard to help each and every child discover what makes them amazing.”
Recommendations from the inspection, for which they must make at least one, focused on ensuring consistency in pupils feedback on their academic work and consistent implementation of new policies.
